March Madness meets the iPad era: How coaches’ challenges are changing the game
Florida’s Boogie Fland was driving to the basket with 1:10 remaining and a three-point lead over Iowa when Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch stepped into the lane, swatted at the ball and it sailed out of bounds. Officials ruled it Florida’s ball. Iowa coach Ben McCollum quickly consulted video coordinator Jace Smith, who checked his iPad and nodded yes — go for it.
“I had a very clear view,” Smith said. “Once I saw it, I felt pretty confident, so it was an instant yes. That was a big moment.
” McCollum challenged the call and won; Fland had touched it last. Iowa took possession and outscored Florida 5-1 in the final minute to oust the defending champion and 1-seeded Gators with a 73-72 win and advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999. That the tournament’s biggest thriller so far was set up in part by a coach’s challenge is something that wouldn’t have been possible in years past.
This season is the first where coaches are allowed to challenge certain calls by officiating crews. The rule change was approved in June, and eight months later, it’s still an adjustment for even the most experienced staffs. When used correctly, a challenge can flip a game in seconds.
But the Gators already knew that. A new seat on the bench Florida’s chances of winning a mid-January game at Vanderbilt were slipping when video coordinator Nolan Crist spotted an on-court tangle. He checked the iPad, sideline discussions commenced and what followed changed the game.
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